Card type input/output interface device and electronic device using the same

ABSTRACT

A card type input/output interface device includes a first connection part for transferring data between a main body of an electronic device and the card type input/output interface device, a second connection part which is coupled to the first connection part and transfers data between an external device and the card type input/output interface device, and a card supporting the first and second connection part. The first connection part is accommodated in the main body when the card type input/output interface device is inserted into a slot provided in the main body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a card type input/outputinterface device, which couples a main body of an electronic devicesystem and an external or peripheral device with each other.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As is well known, advances in the semiconductor technology bring aboutdown-sizing of various electronic device systems. An IC (IntegratedCircuit) memory card was created under the above circumstances. An ICmemory card, which functions as an external storage device, is insertedinto a slot of the main body of an electronic device system. Normally, asmall-scale electronic device system, such as a laptop computer, has aconnector for connecting it to external devices such as a printingmachine and a modem. There is currently a need for further down-sizingand for cost reducing of such electronic device systems.

An IC memory card comprises integrated volatile memories and/orintegrated nonvolatile memories mounted on a card. Examples of theintegrated volatile memories are an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access MemOry), and examples of the integratednon-volatile memory are a mask ROM (Read Only Memory) and an EEPROM(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). If 12 ICmemories, each having a storage capacity of 64 kbits, are mounted on acard, an IC memory card having a storage capacity of 768 kbits will beformed. Hence, it is easy to form an IC memory card having a storagecapacity of a few megabits to tens of megabits by mounting, on the card,a plurality of IC memories, each memory having a storage capacity of fewmegabits on a chip. An IC card has been practically used in which aprocessor is formed integrally with IC memories. Such an IC card has thefunction of processing data. This IC card is also called a smart card oran intelligent card.

The external dimensions of IC memory cards or IC cards are 85.6×54.0×3.3[mm], for example. These cards are inserted into slots of electronicdevice systems, such as word processors and personal computers. In thestate where the cards are inserted into the slots, the cards makeelectric connections with internal buses or registers provided in theelectronic device systems. These electric connections can be made bymeans of direct contact structures or non-contact structures.

Nowadays, small-scale electronic device systems use IC memory cards asreplaceable external storage devices. Further, external or peripheralelectronic device systems which are not always used together with themain body are electrically connected to the main body via a connectorformed on, for example, a sidewall(s) of the main body. The use of theabove connector mounted on the sidewall of the main body preventsdown-sizing of electronic device systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a card typeinput/output interface device in which the above disadvantages areeliminated.

A more specific object of the present invention is to facilitatedown-sizing of the main body of an electronic device system by means ofa card type input/output interface device, which is inserted into a slotformed in the main body.

The above objects of the present invention are achieved by a card typeinput/output interface device comprising: first connection means fortransferring data between a main body of an electronic device and thecard type input/output interface device; second connection means,coupled to the first connection means, for transferring data between anexternal device and the card type input/output interface device; and acard supporting the first and second connection means. The firstconnection means is accommodated in the main body when the card typeinput/output interface device is inserted into a slot provided in themain body.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronicdevice system using the above card type input/output interface device.

This object of the present invention is achieved by an electronic devicesystem comprising: a main body of the electronic device system, the mainbody comprising a slot; a card type input/output interface deviceinserted into the slot; and an external device. The card typeinput/output interface device comprises: first connection means fortransferring data between the main body and the card type input/outputinterface device; second connection means, coupled to the firstconnection means, for transferring data between an external device andthe card type input/output interface device; and a card supporting thefirst and second connection means, the first connection means beingaccommodated in the main body when the card type input/output interfacedevice is inserted into the slot provided in the main body. The mainbody comprises third connection means, coupled to the first connectionmeans, for coupling the main body and the card type input/outputinterface device with each other. The external device comprises fourthconnection means, coupled to the second connection means, for couplingthe card type input/output interface device and the external device witheach other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description when readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams of the first embodiment of thepresent invention in more detail;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a card type input/output interface deviceshown in FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an external device shown in FIGS. 2A and2B;

FIGS. 4A through 4D are diagrams showing an antenna used in disclosedembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of the card type input/output interfacedevice used in the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a block diagram of an external device used in the secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a variation of the structure shown inFIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of a variation of the structure shown inFIG. 7B;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the card type input/output interface deviceof the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A through 9C are perspective views of card type input/outputinterface devices in which 6-pin modular connectors are used;

FIGS. 10A through 10C are perspective views of card type input/outputinterface devices in which Centro-connectors are used; and

FIGS. 11A through 11C are perspective views of card type input/outputinterface devices in which RS-232C connectors are used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a card type input/output interface device 10according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises acard 4, a first connection part 1, a second connection part 2 and acircuit part 3. The first and second connection parts 1 and 2, and thecircuit part 3 are supported by the card 4. The first connection part 1is located on a first end portion of the card 4, the first end portionbeing inserted into a slot 22 formed on a sidewall of a main body 20 ofan electronic device system. The second connection part 2 is located ona second end portion of the card 4, which is opposite the firstconnection part 1o The circuit part 3 is interposed between the firstconnection part 1 and the second connection part 2.

The connection part 1 comprises a connector 18 formed on a single sideor both opposing sides of the card 4, as in the case of conventional ICcards. In the state where the interface device 10 has been inserted intothe slot 22 of the main body 20, the connector 18 comes into contactwith a connector 23 in the slot 22 of the main body 20, as shown in FIG.2A. Signals are transferred between the main body 20 and the interfacedevice 10 via the connectors 18 and 23.

The connection part 2 comprises a radio transmitter/receiver unit and anantenna. The antenna is, for example, a rot antenna, as will bedescribed in detail. Signals are transferred between the interface card10 and an external or peripheral device 30 through a radiocommunications channel. For this purpose, the external device 30comprises an antenna and a radio transmitter/receiver unit, as will bedescribed later.

The circuit part 3 comprises an antenna and a data transfer unit, aswill be described in detail later. It is necessary to place the mainbody 20 and the external device 30 within service areas of the interfacedevice 10 and the external device 30.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the configuration of the first embodiment of thepresent invention in more detail. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, those parts whichare the same as those shown in FIG. 1 are given the same referencenumerals. A main body interface unit 11, which comprises the connector18, is formed on the first contact part 1 shown in FIG. 1. An antenna12-1 and a radio transmitter/receiver unit 12-2 are formed in the secondconnection part 2 shown in FIG. 1. A data transfer unit 13 is formed inthe circuit part 3 shown in FIG. 1.

The aforementioned connector 23, which is electrically connected to abus of the main body 20, has parts mounted on upper and lower innersurfaces defining the slot 22.

The external device 30, such as a printing machine or a modem, comprisesa radio communications part 31 and a connector unit 32. The radiocommunications part 31 functions to communicate with the interfacedevice 10 via a radio communications channel. The connector unit 32 isprovided for connecting the external device 30 to another externaldevice. The radio communications part 31 comprises an antenna 31-1 and aradio transmitter/receiver unit 31-2. The connector unit 32 comprises anexternal interface unit 33 comprising a connector.

FIG. 3A shows the configuration of the interface device 10 in moredetail. The main body interface unit 11 comprises a bus buffer 11a,which is electrically connected to the bus 21 via the connectors 18 and23 (these connectors are omitted in FIG. 3A for the sake of simplicity).The data transfer unit 13 comprises a parallel-to-serial (P/S) converter13a and a serial-to-parallel (S/P) converter 13b. Data from the busbuffer 11a is transferred in parallel form. The P/S converter 13aconverts parallel data from the bus buffer 11a into serial data. The S/Pconverter 13b converts serial data from the radio transmitter/receiverunit 12-2.

The radio transmitter/receiver unit 12-2 comprises a frequency modulator12c, a frequency demodulator 12d, amplifiers 12e and 12h, a band-passfilter 12f and an antenna sharing device 12g. The frequency modulator12c modulates digital data into a frequency signal transmittable via aradio communications channel. The frequency demodulator 12d demodulatesa frequency signal received from a radio communications channel intodigital data. The amplifier 12e amplifies the frequency signal from thefrequency modulator 12c, and the amplifier 12h amplifiers the frequencysignal received. The bandpass filter 12f extracts signal components in areception frequency band from the received frequency signal. Theamplifiers 12e and 12f are coupled to the antenna 12-1 via the antennasharing device 12g.

FIG. 3B shows the configuration of the external device 30. The radiotransmitter/receiver unit 31-2 comprises an antenna sharing device 31g,a band-pass filter 31f, amplifiers 31e and 31h, a frequency demodulator31d and a frequency modulator 31c. These structural elements of theradio transmitter/receiver unit 31-2 are the same as those in the radiotransmitter/receiver unit 12-2 of the interface device 10. The externalinterface unit 33 of the external device 30 comprises an S/P converter33b, a P/S converter 33a and a driver/receiver 33i. The driver/receiver33i outputs drive signals to a printer PRT, and receives signals fromthe printer PRT.

The modulation type used in the first embodiment is, for example, asub-carrier NISK method, or a FSK method. It is possible to selectivelyuse a plurality of radio communications channels as in the case ofautomobile telephones and portable telephones. For example, if there ismuch noise in a radio communications channel, another radiocommunications channel will be selected. The above switching can be madeif a radio communications channel interferes another device. Anarbitrary frequency of the radio channel can be used. In Japan, it ispreferable that the frequency of the radio channel be within a 380MHz/250 MHz range.

FIGS. 4A through 4D show the antenna 12-1. The antenna 12-1 shown inFIG. 4A is a rod antenna, which is rotatably supported by a screw member12k. That is, the screw member 12k is fastened to the sidewall of thecard 4 so that the rod antenna 12-1 rotates around the screw member 12k.The rod antenna 12-1 is contractible and expandable. FIG. 4A shows thecontracted state of the rod antenna 12-1. When the rod antenna 12-1 isused, it is made stand upright, as shown in FIG. 4B. Then, the rodantenna 12-1 is expanded so that it has an elongated length, as shown inFIG. 4C. FIG. 4D shows the state where the interface device 10 has beeninserted into the slot 22 of the main body 20. The antenna 12-1 is notlimited to the rod type, but instead another type of antenna can beused. For example, the antenna 12-1 can be a conductive pattern formedon the card.

When a processor (not shown) in the main body 20 or the like specifiesthe external device 30 and generates an instruction to transfer data,the data transfer unit 13 of the interface device 10 receives paralleldata on the bus 21 via the main body interface unit 11, and converts theparallel data into serial data. The radio transmitter/receiver unit 12-2modulates the serial data in the predetermined modulation method, andtransmits the frequency signal via the antenna 12-1. The external devicereceives the frequency signal via the antenna 31-1, and demodulates itinto serial data. The serial data is converted into parallel data by theexternal interface unit 33. Further, the external interface unit 33generates the drive signals from the parallel data, and applies thesignals to the printer PRT.

When data is transferred from the external device 30 to the main body20, serial data applied to the radio transmitter/receiver unit 31-2 viathe external interface unit 33 is modulated and transmitted via theantenna 31-1. The radio transmitter/receiver unit 12-2 of the interfacedevice 10 receives the frequency signal from the external device 30 viathe antenna 12-1. The serial data output from the radiotransmitter/receiver unit 12-2 is converted into parallel data by thedata transfer unit 13, and output to the bus 21 via the main bodyinterface unit 11.

The external device 30 has the connector unit 32. Thus, it is possibleto transfer data received from the interface device 10 to anotherexternal device via the connector unit 32 and transfer data receivedfrom another external device to the interface device 10. The connectorunit 32 conforms to, for example, the RS-232C interface. It should benoted that the main body 10 can be connected to an external device viathe interface device 10 and the external device 30 as if the main body10 is connected thereto through the connector attached to the main body10. Hence, it becomes possible to omit the conventional connector(s)provided in the main body 20.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration of a second embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 5, those parts which are the same as those shown inthe previously described figures are given the same reference numerals.The second embodiment of the present invention uses a start-stop systemcommunications method. The radio transmitter/receiver unit 12-2 and thedata transfer unit 13 of the interface device 10 shown in FIG. 2B arereplaced by a start-stop synchronization controller 14, a radiomodulator 15 and a radio demodulator 16. The radio transmitter/receiverunit 31-2 and the external interface unit 33 of the external device 30shown in FIG. 2B are replaced by a connector 32, a driver/receiver 34, aradio demodulator 35 and a radio modulator 36.

FIG. 6A shows the configuration of the interface device 10 according tothe second embodiment of the present invention. The start-stopsynchronization control unit 14 comprises a P/S converter 14a, a S/Pconverter 14b, a parity generator 14i, and a parity checker 14j. Theparity generator 14i generates a parity bit in the start-stopsynchronization and adds it to data to be transmitted. The paritychecker 14j checks the parity check in data received from the externaldevice 30. The radio modulator 15 comprises a frequency modulator 15c,an amplifier 15e and an antenna sharing device 15g. The radiodemodulator 16 comprises the antenna sharing device 15g, a band-passfilter 15f, an amplifier 15k and a frequency demodulator 15d.

FIG. 6B shows the configuration of the interface device 30 according tothe second embodiment 35 of the present invention. The radio demodulatorcomprises an antenna sharing device 35g, a band-pass filter 35f, anamplifier 35e and a frequency demodulator 35d. The radio modulator 36comprises the antenna sharing device 35g, an amplifier 35k.

The interface device 10 is inserted into the slot 22 of the main body 20in the same manner as the interface device 10 of the first embodiment ofthe present invention. The interface device 10 is connected to the bus21 via the main body interface unit 11. The external device 30 ispositioned within the service areas of the interface device 10 and theexternal device 30. Another external device, such as a modem, isconnected to the external device 30 via the connector 32.

The processor in the main body 20 or the like specifies the externaldevice 30 and generates an instruction to transfer data. Then thestart-stop synchronization control unit 14 receives data via the bus 21and main interface unit 11, and converts it into serial start-stopsystem data. The radio modulator 15 modulates the data from the controlunit 14, and transmits a frequency signal via the antenna 21-1.

The radio demodulator 35 of the external device 30 demodulates thefrequency signal received via the antenna 31-1. Demodulated start-stopsystem data is applied to the connector 32 through the driver/receiver34. In this manner, an external device in conformity to a predeterminedinterface, such as the RS-232C interface, can be connected to the mainbody 20 as in the case of a main body having a connector for externalconnection.

A description will now be given of a third embodiment of the presentinvention. A card type input/output interface device 41 has a projection42a formed in the aforementioned second connection part 2. Theprojection 42a upwardly projects from a surface of the card. As shown inFIG. 8, the aforementioned connector 18 is formed in the firstconnection part opposite the projection 42a. The width of the projection42a in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which theinterface device 41 is inserted into the slot 22 of the main body 20 isthe same as that of the card 4. A connector 43 is formed in theprojection unit 42a so that it accommodates a cable connector 44 of acable 45 in the direction in which the interface device 41 is insertedinto the slot of the main body 20. As shown in FIG. 8, the connector 43is electrically connected to the connector 18 through a conductive lineformed in the card. The projection 42a is located outside the main body20 when the interface device 41 has been inserted into the main body 20.It is also possible to design the projection 42a so that it isaccommodated in the main body 20.

FIG. 7B shows a first variation of the interface device 41, which has aprojection 42b. As shown in FIG. 7B, the width of the projection 42b issmaller than that of the card. This means that the projection 42b has awidth sufficient to provide the connector 43. It is possible to selectthe dimensions of the projection 42b so that the projection 42b ishoused in the main body 20 when it is inserted into the slot 22.

FIG. 7C shows a second variation of the interface device 41 shown inFIG. 7B. The interface device 41 shown in FIG. 7C has a projection 42which projects from both opposing surfaces of the card. A person cangrip the projection 42c from both sides thereof. Hence, it is easy toinsert the interface device 41 into the slot 22 and detach it therefrom.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C show the card type input/output interface devices 41shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C in which the connectors 43 and 44 areformed with 6-pin modular connectors. It is possible to form the modular44 so that it is 7 mm×7 mm in length and breadth. When the card is 3 mmthick, the projection 42a is designed to have a thickness ofapproximately 6 mm. Thus, the total thickness is equal to approximately9 mm-10 mm. This thickness does not degrade the performance of the ICcards.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show the card type input/output interface devices41 shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C in which the connectors 43 and 44 areformed with 6-pin Centro-connectors which conform to the Centronics.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C show the card type input/output interface devices41 shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C in which the connectors 43 and 44 areformed with RS-232C connectors which conform to the RS-232C interface.

According to the present invention, the card type input/output interfacedevice that is inserted into the slot of the electronic device systemscan be provided. The interface device of the present invention canfacilitate down-sizing and cost reducing of the electronic devicesystems because connectors for external connection can be omitted.Further, it is easy to connect the electronic device systems to varioustypes of interface connectors by providing various types of theinterface devices as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C through 11A-11C. Thisincreases the functions of the main body. Furthermore, the use ofelectronic elements as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 6A and 6B provides varioustypes of interface between the main body and external devices.Particularly, the use of radio transmitter/receiver units can providethe card type input/output interface devices having a thickness almostthe same as the thicknesses of conventional IC memory cards and ICcards. It should be noted that the card type input/output interfacedevice is open to the external environment while the conventional cardsoperate in the closed environment.

In the embodiments described in the foregoing, connections between themain body 20 and the interface device 10 are made by means of thedirect-contact structure. Alternatively, it is possible to make theseconnections by means of a non-contact structure by using, for example, aradio transmitter/receiver unit as in the case of making connectionsbetween the interface device 10 and the external device 30.

The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosedembodiments and variations and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is: .[.
 1. A card type input/output interface devicecomprising:first data transmission means for transferring data between amain body of an electronic device and the card type input/outputinterface device; second data transmission means, coupled to said firstdata transmission means, for transferring data between an externaldevice and the card type input/output interface device; and a cardsupporting said first and second data transmission means, said firstdata transmission means being accommodated in said main body when thecard type input/output interface device is inserted into a slot providedin said main body of the electronic device so as to transfer databetween said card type input/output interface device and said electronicdevice..].
 2. A card type input/output interface device as claimed inclaim .[.1.]. .Iadd.38.Iaddend., wherein said second data.[.transmission means.]. .Iadd.interface unit .Iaddend.comprises radiotransmitter/receiver means for transferring the data between saidexternal device and the card type input/output interface device througha radio communications channel. .[.3. A card type input/output interfacedevice as claimed in claim 2, and further comprising data transfercircuit means, interposed between said first and second datatransmission means, for providing an interface of data transfer betweensaid first data transmission means and said radio transmitter/receivermeans..].4. A card type input/output interface device as claimed inclaim 2, wherein said second data .[.transmission means.]..Iadd.interface unit .Iaddend.comprises an antenna coupled to said radiotransmitter/receiver means.
 5. A card type input/output interface deviceas claimed in claim 4, wherein said antenna is a rod type antenna.
 6. Acard type input/output interface device as claimed in claim 4, whereinsaid antenna is a rod type antenna which is contractible and expandable.A card type input/output interface device as claimed in claim 4, whereinsaid antenna is a rod type antenna which is contractible and expandableand which is rotatably supported to said card.
 8. A card typeinput/output interface device as claimed in claim 4, wherein saidantenna is an edge portion of said card.
 9. A card type input/outputinterface device as claimed in claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.38.Iaddend.,wherein:said card has a projection in which said second data.[.transmission means.]. .Iadd.interface unit .Iaddend.is provided; saidfirst data .[.transmission means.]. .Iadd.interface unit .Iaddend.islocated in a first end portion of said card and said second data.[.transmission means.]. .Iadd.interface unit .Iaddend.is located in asecond end portion opposite said first end portion; and a thickness ofsaid second end portion of said card including said projection isgreater than a thickness of said first end portion of said card.
 10. Acard type input/output interface device as claimed in claim 9, whereinsaid projection upwardly projects from a surface of said card. A cardtype input/output interface device as claimed in claim 9, wherein saidprojection projects upwardly and downwardly projects from opposingsurfaces of said card.
 12. A card type input/output interface device asclaimed in claim 9, wherein:said card has a first width in said firstend portion; said projection has a second width in said second endportion; and said first width is equal to said second width.
 13. A cardtype input/output interface device as claimed in claim 9, wherein:saidcard has a first width in said first end portion; said projection has asecond width in said second end portion; and said second width issmaller than said first width.
 14. A card type input/output interfacedevice as claimed in claim 9, wherein said second data .[.transmissionmeans.]. .Iadd.interface unit .Iaddend.comprises a connector formed insaid projection for electrically connecting the card type input/outputinterface device to said external device.
 15. A card type input/outputinterface device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said connector is a pinmodular connector.
 16. A card type input/output interface device asclaimed in claim 14, wherein said connector is a Centro-connector.
 17. Acard type input/output interface device as claimed in claim 14, whereinsaid connector is an RS-232C connector.
 18. A card type input/outputinterface device as claimed in claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.38.Iaddend., whereinsaid first data .[.transmission means.]. .Iadd.interface unit.Iaddend.comprises a connector for electrically connecting said.[.the.]. card type input/output interface device to said electronicdevice. .[.19. An electronic device system comprising:a main body of anelectronic device, said main body comprising a slot; a card typeinput/output interface device operable to be inserted into said slot;and an external device, wherein said card type input/output interfacedevice comprises: first data transmission means for transferring databetween the main body and the card type input/output interface device;second data transmission means, coupled to said first data transmissionmeans, for transferring data between said external device and said cardtype input/output interface device; and a card supporting said first andsecond data transmission means, said first data transmission means beingaccommodated in said main body when said card type input/outputinterface device is inserted into said slot provided in the main body soas to transfer data between said external device and said card typeinput/output device and said electronic device, and wherein: the mainbody comprises third data transmission means, coupled to said first datatransmission means, for coupling the main body and said card typeinput/output interface device with each other and transferring datatherebetween; and said external device comprises fourth datatransmission means, coupled to said second data transmission means, forcoupling said card type input/output interface device and said externaldevice with each other and transferring data therebetween..].20. Anelectronic .[.device.]. system as claimed in claim .[.19.]..Iadd.39.Iaddend., wherein:said second data .[.transmission means.]..Iadd.interface unit .Iaddend.comprises first radio transmitter/receivermeans for transferring the data between said external device and saidcard type input/output interface device through a radio communicationschannel.[.; and said fourth data transmission means comprises secondradio transmission/receiver means for transferring the data between saidexternal device and said card type input/output interface device throughsaid radio communications channel.].. .[.21. An electronic device systemas claimed in claim 19, wherein said card type input/output interfacedevice further comprises data transfer circuit means, interposed betweensaid first and second data transmission means, for providing aninterface of data transfer between said first data interface unit andsaid first radio transmitter/receiver means..].22. An electronic.[.device.]. system as claimed in claim 20, wherein:said second data.[.transmission means.]. .Iadd.interface unit .Iaddend.comprises a firstantenna coupled to said first radio transmitter/receiver means.[.; andsaid fourth data transmission means comprises a second antenna coupledto said second radio transmitter/receiver means.]..
 23. An electronic.[.device.]. system as claimed in claim 22, wherein said first antennais a rod type antenna.
 24. An electronic .[.device.]. system as claimedin claim 22, wherein said first antenna is a rod type antenna which iscontractible and expandable.
 25. An electronic .[.device.]. system asclaimed in claim 22, wherein said first antenna is a rod type antennawhich is contractible and expandable and which is rotatably supported tosaid card.
 26. An electronic .[.device.]. system as claimed in claim 22,wherein said first antenna is an edge portion of said card.
 27. Anelectronic .[.device.]. system as claimed in claim .[.19.]..Iadd.39.Iaddend., wherein:said card has a projection in which saidsecond data .[.transmission means.]. .Iadd.interface unit .Iaddend.isprovided; said first data .[.transmission means.]. .Iadd.interface unit.Iaddend.is located in a first end portion of said card and said second.[.connection means.]. data interface unit is located in a second endportion opposite said first end portion; and a thickness of said secondend portion of said card including said projection is greater than athickness of said first end portion of said card.
 28. An electronic.[.device.]. system as claimed in claim 27, wherein said projectionupwardly projects from a surface of the card.
 29. An electronic.[.device.]. system as claimed in claim 27, wherein said projectionprojects upwardly and downwardly .[.projects.]. from opposing surfacesof said card.
 30. An electronic .[.device.]. system as claimed in claim27, wherein:said card has a first width in said first end portion; saidprojection has a second width in said second end portion; and said firstwidth is equal to said second width.
 31. An electronic .[.device.].system as claimed in claim 27, wherein:said card has a first width insaid first end portion; said projection has a second width in saidsecond end portion; and said second width is smaller than said firstwidth.
 32. An electronic .[.device.]. system as claimed in claim 27,wherein said second data .[.transmission means.]. .Iadd.interface unit.Iaddend.comprises a connector formed in said projection forelectrically connecting said card type input/output interface device tosaid external device.
 33. An electronic .[.device.]. system as claimedin claim 32, wherein said connector is a pin modular connector.
 34. Anelectronic .[.device.]. system as claimed in claim 32, wherein saidconnector is a Centro-connector.
 35. An electronic .[.device.]. systemas claimed in claim 32, wherein said connector is an RS-232C connector.36. An electronic .[.device.]. system as claimed in claim .[.19.]..Iadd.39.Iaddend., wherein said first data .[.transmission means.]..Iadd.interface unit .Iaddend.comprises a connector for electricallyconnecting said card type input/output interface device to .[.said.]..Iadd.a .Iaddend.main body .Iadd.of the electronic device.Iaddend.. 37.An electronic .[.device.]. system as claimed in claim 20, wherein saidexternal device comprises .[.fifth.]. .Iadd.a third .Iaddend.data.[.transmission means.]. .Iadd.interface unit.Iaddend., coupled to.[.said.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.second radio transmitter/receiver means, forcoupling said external device to another external device andtransferring data therebetween. .Iadd.38. A card type input/outputinterface device for operatively connecting an electronic device to anexternal device, comprising:a card, to be inserted into a slot providedin the electronic device; a first data interface unit, provided on oneend of the card, for coupling to the electronic device to transfer inputinformation to the electronic device and output information from theelectronic device when the card is inserted into the slot; a second datainterface unit, provided on an opposing end of the card, for coupling tothe external device to transfer the output information to the externaldevice and the input information from the external device; and a datatransfer circuit, incorporated with the card, in response to the inputinformation being received by the second data interface unit, fortransferring the input information to the first data interface unit and,in response to the output information being received by the first datainterface unit, for transferring the output information to the seconddata interface unit. .Iaddend..Iadd.39. An electronic system,comprising: an electronic device, provided with a slot thereof; anexternal device providing a peripheral function for the electronicdevice; a card, inserted into the slot of the electronic device, forcoupling the electronic device to the external device; a first datainterface unit, provided on one end of the card, for coupling to theelectronic device to transfer input information to the electronic deviceand output information from the electronic device; a second datainterface unit, provided on an opposing, end of the card, for couplingto the external device to transfer the output information to theexternal device and the input information from the external device; anda data transfer circuit, incorporated with the card, in response to theinput information being received by the second data interface unit, fortransferring the input information to the first data interface unit and,in response to the output information being received by the first datainterface unit, for transferring the output information to the seconddata interface unit. .Iaddend..Iadd.40. A card type input/outputinterface device for operatively connecting an electronic device to anexternal device, comprising:a card, to be inserted into a slot providedin the electronic device, provided with a first end portion and a secondend portion opposite to the first end portion; a data transfer circuit,incorporated with the card, for transferring information between theelectronic device and the external device; a first data connector,provided on the first end portion of the card, for electricallyconnecting the data transfer circuit to the electronic device when thecard is inserted into the slot; and a second data connector, provided onthe second end portion of the card, for coupling the data transfercircuit to the external device. .Iaddend..Iadd.41. A card typeinput/output interface device for operatively connecting an electronicdevice to an external device, comprising: a card, to be inserted into aslot provided in the electronic device; a data connector fortransferring input information to the electronic device and outputinformation from the electronic device when the card is inserted intothe slot; a wireless data transmitter/receiver for transmitting theoutput information to the external device and for receiving the inputinformation from the external device via a wireless communicationchannel; and a data transfer circuit, in response to receiving the inputinformation by the wireless data transmitter/receiver, for transferringthe input information to the data connector and, in response toreceiving the output information by the data connector, for transferringthe output information to the wireless data transmitter/receiver,wherein the data connector, the wireless data transmitter/receiver andthe data transfer circuit are incorporated with the card..Iaddend..Iadd.42. A card type input/output interface device accordingto claim 41, wherein the wireless data transmitter/receiver transmitsthe output information to the external device and receives the inputinformation from the external device via a radio communication channel..Iaddend..Iadd.43. A card type input/output interface device foroperatively connecting an electronic device to an external device,comprising:a card, to be inserted into a slot provided in the electronicdevice; a converter for receiving a parallel bit digital informationfrom the electronic device and for converting the parallel bit digitalinformation into a serial bit digital information when the card isinserted into the slot; and, a data transfer circuit for transferringthe serial bit digital information from the converter to the externaldevice, wherein the converter and the data transfer circuit areincorporated with the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.44. A card type input/outputinterface device for operatively connecting an electronic device to anexternal device, comprising: a card, provided with a first end portionand a second end portion, opposite to the first end portion, having athickness greater than a thickness of the first end portion; datatransfer circuit, incorporated with the card, for transferringinformation between the electronic device and the external device; afirst data connector, provided on the first end portion of the card, forelectrically connecting the data transfer circuit to the electronicdevice when the first end portion of the card is inserted into a slotprovided in the external wall in the body of the electronic device; anda second data connector, provided on the second end portion, forcoupling the data transfer circuit to the external device..Iaddend..Iadd.45. A system, to be operatively connected to anelectronic device, comprising:an external device providing a peripheralfunction for the electronic device; a card, electrically connected tothe external device to be inserted into a slot provided in theelectronic device; a first data interface unit for transmitting inputinformation to the electronic device and for receiving outputinformation from the electronic device when the card interface isinserted into the slot; a second data interface unit for transmittingthe output information to the external device and for receiving theinput information from the external device; and a data transfer circuit,in response to receiving the input information by the second datainterface unit, for transferring the input information to the first datainterface unit and, in response to receiving the output information bythe first data interface unit, for transferring the output informationto the second data interface unit, wherein the first data interfaceunit, the second interface unit and the data transfer circuit areincorporated with card. .Iaddend..Iadd.46. A system, to be operativelyconnected to an electronic device, comprising: an external deviceproviding a peripheral function for the electronic device; a card,provided with a first end portion and a second end portion opposite tothe first end portion, to be inserted into a slot provided in theelectronic device; a data transfer circuit, incorporated with the card,for transferring information between the electronic device and theexternal device; a first connector, provided on the first end portion ofthe card, for electrically connecting the data transfer circuit to theelectronic device when the first end portion of the card is insertedinto the slot; and a second connector, provided on the second endportion of the card, for electrically connecting the data transfercircuit to the external device. .Iaddend..Iadd.47. A system, to beoperatively connected to an electronic device, comprising:an externaldevice providing a peripheral function for the electronic device; a cardinterface, operatively connected to the external device via a wirelesscommunication channel, to be inserted into a slot provided in theelectronic device; a data connector for transferring input informationto the electronic device and output information from the electronicdevice when the card interface is inserted into the slot; a wirelessdata transmitter/receiver for transmitting the output information to theexternal device and for receiving the input information from theexternal device via the wireless communication channel; and a datatransfer circuit, in response to receiving the input information by thewireless data transmitter/receiver, for transferring the inputinformation to the data connector and, in response to receiving theoutput information by the data connector, for transferring the outputinformation to the wireless data transmitter/receiver, wherein the dataconnector, the wireless data transmitter/receiver and the data transfercircuit are incorporated with the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.48. A systemaccording to claim 47, wherein the wireless data transmitter/receivertransmits the output information to the external device and receives theinput information from the external device via a radio communicationchannel. .Iaddend..Iadd.49. A system, to be operatively connected to anelectronic device, comprising:an external device providing a peripheralfunction for the electronic device; a card interface, operativelyconnected to the external device, to be inserted into a slot provided inthe electronic device; a converter for receiving a parallel bit digitalinformation from the electronic device and for converting the parallelbit digital information into a serial bit digital information when thecard interface is inserted into the slot; and, a data transfer circuitfor transferring the serial bit digital information from the converterto the external device, wherein the converter and the data transfercircuit are incorporated with the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.50. A system, tobe operatively connected to an electronic device, comprising: anexternal device providing a peripheral function for the electronicdevice; a card, provided with a first end portion and a second endportion, opposite to the first end portion, having a thickness greaterthan a thickness of the first end portion; a data transfer circuit,incorporated with the card, for transferring information between theelectronic device and the external device; a first data connector,provided on the first end portion of the card, for electricallyconnecting the data transfer circuit to the electronic device when thefirst end portion of the card is inserted into a slot provided in anexternal wall in the body of the electronic device; and a second dataconnector, provided on the second end portion, for coupling the datatransfer circuit to the external device. .Iaddend..Iadd.51. Anelectronic system comprising:an electronic device, provided with a slot;an external device providing a peripheral function for the electronicdevice; a card, provided with a first end portion and a second endportion opposite to the first end portion, the first end portioninserted into the slot of the electronic device; a data transfercircuit, incorporated with card, for transferring information betweenthe electronic device and the external device; a first data connector,provided on the first end portion of the card, for electricallyconnecting the data transfer circuit to the electronic device; and asecond data connector, provided on the second end portion of the card,for coupling the data transfer circuit to the external device..Iaddend..Iadd.52. An electronic system, comprising: an electronicdevice, provided with a slot; an external device providing a peripheralfunction for the electronic device; a card, inserted into the slot ofthe electronic device, for operatively connecting the electronic deviceto the external device via a wireless communication channel; a dataconnector for transferring input information to the electronic deviceand for receiving output information from the electronic device; awireless data transmitter/receiver for transmitting the outputinformation to the external device and for receiving the inputinformation from the external device via the wireless communicationchannel; and a data transfer circuit, in response to receiving the inputinformation by the wireless data transmitter/receiver, for transferringthe input information to the data connector and, in response toreceiving the output information by the connector, for transferring theoutput information to the wireless data transmitter/receiver, whereinthe data connector, the wireless data transmitter/receiver and the datatransfer circuit are incorporated with the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.53. Anelectronic system according to claim 52, wherein the wireless datatransmitter/receiver transmits the output information to the externaldevice and receives the input information from the external device via aradio communication channel. .Iaddend..Iadd.54. An electronic systemcomprising:an electronic device, provided with a slot; an externaldevice providing a peripheral function for the electronic device; acard, inserted into the slot of the electronic device, and operativelyconnecting the electronic device to the external device; a converter forreceiving a parallel bit digital information from the electrical deviceand for converting the parallel bit digital information into a serialbit digital information; a data transfer circuit for coupling the serialbit digital information from the converter to the external device,wherein the converter and the data transfer circuit are incorporatedwith the card. .Iaddend..Iadd.55. An electronic system, comprising: anelectronic device, provided with a slot; an external device providing aperipheral function for the electronic device; a card, provided with afirst end portion inserted into the slot of the electronic device and asecond end portion opposite to the first end portion, having a thicknessgreater than a thickness of the first end portion; a data transfercircuit, incorporated with the card, for transferring informationbetween the electronic device and the external device; a first dataconnector, provided on the first end portion of the card, forelectrically connecting the data transfer circuit to the electronicdevice when the card is inserted into the slot; and a second dataconnector, provided on the second end portion, for coupling the datatransfer circuit to the external device. .Iaddend.